Fantasy Football Advice: Week 11 Waiver Wire Picks

We’re getting down to the nitty gritty now. It’s Week 11, and in some leagues with four-team divisional setups, there is just one week remaining of cross-divisional play before the home stretch. It is also the last weekend of byes, and some key teams have guys sidelined this week. Couple that with a slew of injuries to key position players this past weekend, and the waiver wire will be more important than ever mid-week.

Danario Alexander, WR, San Diego: Head coach Norv Turner promised to get Alexander more involved in the offense, and that he did in Week 10 at Tampa Bay. He had five grabs for 134 yards and a touchdown against the Buccaneers, and might be the team’s best downfield threat despite his signing just a couple of weeks ago. Once he jells further with QB Philip Rivers, Alexander could emerge as a weekly fantasy option.

Danny Amendola, WR, St. Louis: Amendola is owned in about 80-85 percent of leagues already, but if he is available of your waiver wire, or via trade, grab him. He is especially useful in PPR leagues, serving as a poor man’s Wes Welker. The St. Louis Rams offense is a much more dynamic attack when the threat of Amendola exists. His presence even more RB Steven Jackson better, as well as QB Sam Bradford.

Connor Barth, PK, Tampa Bay: Barth and the Buccaneers have been scoring points aplenty lately, and Barth has been scoring nicely. He has five field goals and 13 extra points over the past three games, averaging 9.3 points per game during the span. The Buccaneers travel to Charlotte for a rematch with the Panthers. In a 16-10 Week 1 win, Barth connected on three field goals and an extra point.

Bengals, DST, Cincinnati: The Bengals will face the mistake-prone Chiefs in Week 11, so if your primary option has a difficult matchup or bye week, it is time to scoop the Bengals up and play the favorable matchup. Cincinnati posted four sacks, two interceptions and two fumble recoveries in an impressive performance against the New York Giants last Sunday.

Buccaneers, DST, Tampa Bay: The Buccaneers meet the Panthers for the second time this season. In the Week 1 matchup in Tampa, the Bucs allowed just 10 net rushing yards and 10 points allowed in a 16-10 win. They also dropped Panthers QB Cam Newton three times for sack, forced a fumble and had two interceptions. The Bucs have recorded at least two sacks in three straight games, and have racked up 15 interceptions through the first nine contests.

Jason Campbell, QB, Chicago: It seemed like every few minutes another quarterback was going to the locker room for concussion tests in Week 10. Jay Cutler was nailed in the Sunday night game with Houston, forcing Jason Campbell into action. His stats against the Texans can be ignored, as they are a good defense. Campbell might get the start against another strong defense, the San Francisco 49ers, on the road in Week 11 on Monday night. However, he should get first-team reps in practice, and will be a lot more prepared for the challenge. He makes for a decent No. 2 fantasy option in leagues which require two starters, but in standard leagues he can be avoided for now.

Nick Foles, QB, Philadelphia: Foles took over for an injured QB Michael Vick (concussion) last week against Dallas and looked so-so. The fans have been calling for the rookie, and soon they’ll likely be booing him over the most innocuous thing. Foles will make the start in Week 11 against the Washington Redskins. He is setup for success in his first NFL start, as the Redskins rank 30th against the pass by allowing 301.7 yards per game. They have also allowed an NFL-worst 20 passing touchdowns through nine games.

Byron Leftwich, QB, Pittsburgh: Leftwich has not officially been named the starter for Week 11 against the Baltimore Ravens, although head coach Mike Tomlin appears reserved to the fact QB Ben Roethlisberger (shoulder) will miss the game due to his sternoclavicular sprain. Right now, Big Ben is unofficially considered questionable. Leftwich is worth scooping up in special formats which require two starting QBs. In standard leagues, he is only worth adding if you already own Roethlisberger.

Colin Kaepernick, QB, San Francisco: Kaepernick came on for the injured QB Alex Smith (concussion) and ran for a score in Sunday’s 24-24 tie against the Rams. Kaepernick isn’t much of a passer, but he could still post a decent stat line for fantasy owners in Week 11 if Smith is out. The 49ers have an extra day to let Smith rest, as they won’t play until Monday night. But if they’re smart, they might want to hold Smith out against a relentless Bears defense.